FS5: FS5 screen replacement?

I

Ivor C

Active member
A couple of times recently I've shot interviews on my FS5 where the subject has started off inside the DOF but then leant forward/backward when in full swing and thus their eyes temporarily go soft.

Now I realise I can solve the problem by widening the DOF. But in many cases I want things that shallow and instead just want to be aware when it's being compromised. And that's where the default FS5 screen comes unstuck, it's just too small to spot.

I'm certain it's been discussed on here before, but have any larger HD screen recommendations bubbled to the surface in those discussions?

Ideally I want something around 5-6 inches (I think) so it doesn't upset the ergonomics/balance of the FS5 too much. I'm probably looking up the budget end, ie US$250-300 or £200 in my money. Any heads up about relevant mounting grip/prices also gratefully received.
 
Have you already tried using the built-in peaking on the FS5? I find it works pretty good and I'd rather rely on it than a cheapo 5-6" monitor.
 
Thanks Doug, yes I did try the peaking when I first got my FS5. But I couldn't get on with it. I think it was again down to the screen being too small to spot significant changes on a subject's eyes. I found it more useful on my old XF300, but then the screen was bigger and (I think) higher res.
 
Not sure if you can find a quality monitor for $300. The SmallHD 702 Lite goes on sale periodically for $500, and that's a solid, cheaper option if you get it on sale ($300 off).

The default setting on FS7 LCD peaking are pretty weak. However, you can bump up the peaking and it get a lot better than the default setting.
 
Thanks, I'm starting to look at the SmallHD range even though it's technically out of my budget. Although I might just take the plunge and cut corners elsewhere. But a couple of related questions. 1) What is the most practical way to connect any of these monitors? I assume none of them couple with the default Sony display port? 2) What extra grip/support will I need to mount something like the SmallHD 720? I'm thinking front shoe mount, but maybe there's better options?
 
Ivor, are you shooting HD or 4K? Blackmagic Design has a Video Assist for around $439 and it's an HD monitor and 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes HQ recorder. The screen is nice, there are zebras and peaking, and it's 5"...it's slightly dim for outdoors use without a hood, but indoors it could do nicely. Mini-SDI or HDMI with 1/4" mounts on top and bottom. I like mine.
 
David_Manning said:
Ivor, are you shooting HD or 4K? Blackmagic Design has a Video Assist for around $439 and it's an HD monitor and 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes HQ recorder. The screen is nice, there are zebras and peaking, and it's 5"...it's slightly dim for outdoors use without a hood, but indoors it could do nicely. Mini-SDI or HDMI with 1/4" mounts on top and bottom. I like mine.
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+1. Mine works well with my FS5. My only reservation is the well noted greenish tint on the screen. It doesn't bother me but if you are setting your colour with it bear that in mind. The thing that really bothers me about it is that they have just released a firmware update that adds false colour but only to the 4K model. So its pretty clear to me that they have abandoned the 5" version as far as future updates are concerned which I think stinks. Other people may disagree. So don't expect any more exposure assistants than it already has.
 
My workflow is 85% HD 15% 4K. But it's likely I'll be doing more interviews in 4K going forward. So do I take it that the Video Assist only works with HD? Will it downscale a 4K image for monitoring?

As a side note there's a good chance I'm about to get a free copy of the FS5 RAW unlock code. So that's a possible consideration if I go the recorder/display route. But then again after Doug's comparison video and my clients wanting fast web delivery (mostly) l might never need the RAW aspect.
 
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Thanks Patrick. Would that be the same on my FS5 with other HD field monitors? For example I'm taking a close look at the SmallHD 501. But if I want to shoot in 4K on my FS5 would the 501 downscale it to 1080?
 
I'm afraid I have no experience with other monitors. With the FS5 in 4K you also have to make a choice between having the inbuilt screen on or the external monitor. You cannot have both.
 
FeelWorld.jpg
Ivor C said:
A couple of times recently I've shot interviews on my FS5 where the subject has started off inside the DOF but then leant forward/backward when in full swing and thus their eyes temporarily go soft.

Now I realise I can solve the problem by widening the DOF. But in many cases I want things that shallow and instead just want to be aware when it's being compromised. And that's where the default FS5 screen comes unstuck, it's just too small to spot.

I'm certain it's been discussed on here before, but have any larger HD screen recommendations bubbled to the surface in those discussions?

Ideally I want something around 5-6 inches (I think) so it doesn't upset the ergonomics/balance of the FS5 too much. I'm probably looking up the budget end, ie US$250-300 or £200 in my money. Any heads up about relevant mounting grip/prices also gratefully received.
Click to expand...

Although not at all color accurate the US$140 FeelWorld 7" IPS monitor has worked well for me. It has a resolution of 1280 x 800 and the nice big 7" is great for interview focus and framing. It also has Peaking Assist:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1234190-REG/feelworld_fw759_7_ips_1280_x.html

They are very light and for the price quite good. I have a couple.
 
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